# What Is Zksync?

**Published by:** [Jaden](https://paragraph.com/@jaden/)
**Published on:** 2024-03-06
**URL:** https://paragraph.com/@jaden/what-is-zksync

## Content

In the crypto world, layer-2 solutions like zksync act as sidekicks to the main blockchain when it starts getting congested, thereby reducing transaction costs and speed. But with all the hype that surrounds this young Massiah of layer-2 protocols, a lot of questions come to mind: What exactly is zksync? Is it really the young saviour everyone portrays it to be, or is it just another hyped chain that’s destined to fall apart under its own weight? zksync is a zero knowledge proof-based solution that uses a combination of complex mathematics and cryptography to operate the ZK rollup and report verifications to the Ethereum network. It’s a long and complicated process that can be difficult for builders, developers, and users to understand. The zksync chain requires significant computer power to operate and requires a large number of people to verify its transactions. This creates a large power imbalance that could potentially lead to centralization of the network. Moreover, it requires the Ethereum network to be active in order to function. This can be problematic as it may result in high gas fees and downtime. While zksync does require some trust, it is also much faster than the main Ethereum blockchain. Compared to Ethereum, it can process around 2,000 transactions per second. This makes it a great choice for DeFi, NFTs, and other applications that need high transaction speeds and security. Unlike other zk-rollups, zksync does not store data off-chain but publishes the state changes directly on L1. This allows it to use public data compression to reduce gas fees when transferring information from L2 to L1. One of the major differences between zksync and other zk-rollups is its account abstraction support. While other zk-rollups have supported account abstraction, zksync has taken it a step further by supporting it in the new zkSync Era mainnet. This feature enables dApps to run on zkSync Era while retaining key EVM features such as smart contract composability. Several projects have started using the zksync chain, including Mute (MUTE). The project is an AMM exchange, farming platform and IDO platform that is based on zk-rollups and a decentralized governance model. The project claims that it offers lightning-fast transactions and limit orders, while delivering better privacy and lowering gas fees by up to 75%. As a result, it’s attracting investors in the cryptocurrency space. The project will soon launch its own native token and is expected to distribute it to users who begin utilizing the zksync chain. This is a common practice among crypto projects, as they aim to incentivize early adopters. This is done through a token airdrop. If you’re interested in gaining zksync tokens, you can participate in the upcoming zksync airdrop by registering on the project’s website and testing its protocol on the zksync testnet. More details can be found in the article: How to Participate in a Crypto Airdrop.

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